OBOREVWORI RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NUJ AWARD AS MEDIA-FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR
By Anthonia N. Okwuolise
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, with the prestigious Media-Friendly Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his administration’s cordial relationship with media practitioners and commitment to press freedom.
The award was presented at the fourth edition of the NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, held on Saturday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja. The event was organised under the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, also delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical role of responsible journalism in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and advancing good governance.
The governor described a free, independent and responsible press as one of the fundamental pillars of democracy, noting that citizens can only make informed decisions and hold public officials accountable when they have access to accurate, credible and reliable information.
He observed that democracy and journalism share a mutually reinforcing relationship, explaining that while democratic governance guarantees press freedom, responsible journalism strengthens democratic institutions and ensures that government remains responsive to the aspirations and concerns of the people.
According to him, the sacrifices and contributions of veteran journalists underscore the need to protect press freedom while upholding the professional ethics and standards that sustain public confidence in the media.
However, Governor Oborevwori emphasised that press freedom must go hand in hand with professional responsibility, urging journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and integrity in their reportage.
He expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports, particularly across digital media platforms, where the pressure to break news and attract public attention sometimes undermines factual and responsible journalism.
“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said.
The governor therefore urged media practitioners to remain independent, courageous and steadfast in their commitment to truth, professionalism and the public interest.
Earlier, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, explained that the annual recognition programme was instituted to celebrate distinguished individuals whose contributions have made significant and lasting impacts on journalism, humanity and national development.
He particularly commended the Oborevwori administration for maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with journalists in Delta State. He disclosed that the union’s observations had revealed no reported cases of intimidation, harassment or arrest of journalists in the state while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Yahya also applauded the administration’s developmental initiatives, particularly its investments in road infrastructure, efforts to address inherited debts and outstanding contractual obligations, as well as its social welfare programmes targeted at widows, indigent families and other vulnerable members of society.
He further noted that the governor’s acceptance of the NUJ invitation demonstrated his recognition of the media as a critical institution in society and the importance of constructive engagement between government and journalists.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former NUJ National President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, commended the current leadership of the union for sustaining the annual recognition initiative.
He described continuity in institutional programmes and leadership as essential to building strong, credible and enduring institutions, adding that initiatives that celebrate excellence serve as motivation for greater dedication to professional service and national development.
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